1. The glory of this house will be greater (1-9)

This 21st day of the 7th month marked the end of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23), a time of summer harvest celebration. It was also the season Solomon had dedicated the first temple (1Ki 8:2). But in comparison to those past events, the current crop and building seemed like nothing. But not to God. their labor and faith in his covenant and presence mattered more than the outward beauty of the temple. God promised to make this new temple of greater glory than Solomon's, because God will be with them and grant peace.

2. Give careful thought (10-23)

Like meat carried in the garment defiles all it touches, so all that sinful people do and touch is defiled, even though they started well and laid a good foundation. God asks them to consider the state of their harvests: they are meager, even though the foundation of the temple was laid. Their blessing will be God's hand, based on God's plan and vision, not a reward for past success.